Abstract: The present invention is directed to a stringed instrument including a body portion, a rigid frame portion and a neck, wherein the neck is attached to the body portion at one end. The rigid frame portion comprises a top and bottom extension cut away from and running generally parallel and coplanar to the length of the neck. The top and bottom extensions pass beyond the neck and join together beyond the distal end of the neck without contacting the neck. The instrument also comprises a plurality of strings attached to the body portion of the instrument extending from the body portion lengthwise of the neck to a plurality of tuning machines located on an extended headstock section of the frame portion such that the neck is not stressed by the tension of the strings.